The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu assured that his administration will continue to put issues affecting the security of lives and property of the people of Abia State on the front burner of the scheme of things in the State.
He has consequently sought for the support of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the protection of critical government infrastructure in the State.
The Governor made the call when he received in audience the new State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abia State Command, Commandant Vincent Ogu and his team at Government House Umuahia.
He further called on the NSCDC to rise to the occasion and work with the State government to completely stamp out street cultism which has become a major factor in promotion of crime, pointing out that anybody who can use an axe to waylay people on the street is as bad as a criminal.
Governor Ikpeazu was of the view that impunity has grown in ranks among the young ones adding that there was need for a re-orientation of our youths.
He said he understood the strategic importance of the Civil Defence Corps in boosting security in the State and implored the new Commandant to continue to maintain civilized Officers and men who are committed to duty.
The Governor also stressed the need for the Civil Defence Corps to be a step ahead in crime prevention, noting that no meaningful development can take place in an insecure environment.
He promised to look into the requests made by the Commandant with a view to making their job easy.
Earlier in his speech, the Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abia State Command, Commandant Vincent Ogu who said he assumed duties as the 10th Commandant of the NSCDC in the State said he was pleased with the level of support the Corps is enjoying under the administration of Governor Ikpeazu including provision of operational vehicles and logistics among others, urged the Governor to continue prioritizing security as no meaningful development can be recorded in an insecure environment.
He said that he has come to Abia to work and asked for more logistics and enabling environment to operate while promising to continue to synergize with sister Agencies to ensure improved security in the State.
He pointed out that the Corps has identified dark spots in Abia and stationed his men to boost security in such areas in addition to stepping up patrol at night and requested for the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force with other security agencies for stop and search operations.
Commandant Ogu promised that he would work closely with government and relevant stakeholders and change the narrative and reduce crime to the barest minimum and commended the Governor for the flag off of the Crime Prevention and Management System (CPAMS) and the establishment of Homeland Security Ministry to boost security in the State.
These two policies, the Commandant noted, are novel and do not exist anywhere else in the country.
The Honorable Commissioner for Homeland Security, Prince Dan Okoli and other top officials of the State Government were present at the event.
